The Road Warrior w/Dan Hartzellhttp://blogs.mcall.com/roadwarrior/The Road Warrior Blog is a Morning Call blog from reporter and columnist Dan Hartzell.en-USThu, 07 Aug 2014 20:02:49 GMTThu, 07 Aug 2014 20:02:49 GMT302014-08-07T20:02:49Zen-USCedar Crest bridge over Jordan Creek, South Whitehall, reopenshttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A80Ccedar0Ecrest0Ebridge0Eover0Ejordan0Ecreek0Esouth0Ewhitehall0Ereopens0Bhtml/story01.htmThe repaired Cedar Crest Boulevard Bridge over Jordan Creek in South Whitehall Township, just south of Parkland High School, reopened to traffic Thursday afternoon, according to PennDOT. The bridge between Ritter and Iron Bridge roads had been closed to traffic for rehabilitation since June 25. PennDOT met its goal of getting the bridge repaired before the start of the school year. Unfortunately, the reopening was too late for Wehr's Mill Covered Bridge, located on one of the unofficial detour routes for passenger cars. A tractor-trailer tanker truck crossed the historic structure on July 25, exceeding by nearly four times the...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/204366313475/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/mf.gif' border='0'/>Thu, 07 Aug 2014 20:02:49 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d4aa4bd/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A80Ccedar0Ecrest0Ebridge0Eover0Ejordan0Ecreek0Esouth0Ewhitehall0Ereopens0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-08-07T20:02:49Z

The repaired Cedar Crest Boulevard Bridge over Jordan Creek in South Whitehall Township, just south of Parkland High School, reopened to traffic Thursday afternoon, according to PennDOT. The bridge between Ritter and Iron Bridge roads had been closed to traffic for rehabilitation since June 25.

PennDOT met its goal of getting the bridge repaired before the start of the school year. Unfortunately, the reopening was too late for Wehr's Mill Covered Bridge, located on one of the unofficial detour routes for passenger cars. A tractor-trailer tanker truck crossed the historic structure on July 25, exceeding by nearly four times the posted 10-ton weight limit. The bridge reopened a week later, with a reduced, four-ton limit.

The official word from the state:

Cedar Crest Boulevard is open in South Whitehall Township

ROAD NAME: Cedar Crest Boulevard

BETWEEN: Ritter Road AND Iron Bridge Road

Type of Work: Bridge Repair

Work being Done By: PennDOT Contractor

RESTRICTION: As of 3 p.m. today Cedar Crest Boulevard is open to traffic.

Cedar Crest Boulevard was closed since June 25 and detoured for repairs to the bridge over Jordan Creek. During the closure, the posted detour routed traffic on Walbert Avenue, PA 309 and Orefield Road. Repairs to the Bridge included repairing the bridge deck, repairing expansion joints and bearings, and paving the bridge deck.

The Cedar Creek Boulevard Bridge over Jordan Creek is a 122 feet long, 28 feet wide, two-span, steel I-beam bridge that was built in 1957 and rehabilitated in 1976. This section of Cedar Crest Boulevard has an average daily traffic volume of 11,975 vehicles.

]]>Wehr's Mill Bridge reopens with four-ton weight limithttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d192b66/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A80Cwehrs0Emill0Ebridge0Ereopens0Ewith0Efour0Eton0Eweight0Elimit0Bhtml/story01.htmOne week after a fuel tanker weighing nearly four times the 10-ton weight limit for the historic Wehr's Mill Covered Bridge in South Whitehall Township, the bridge over Jordan Creek reopened Friday morning with its weight restriction reduced to four tons. As I report in today's column, authorities allege that a tractor-trailer tanker crossed the rickety wood span on July 25. South Whitehall police have been conducting motor-carrier enforcement at the bridge because some traffic detouring from the closed Cedar Crest Boulevard bridge over Jordan Creek to the northeast crosses the covered bridge; it's a logical choice for passenger vehicles....<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/204366121866/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d192b66/sc/8/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d192b66/sc/8/mf.gif' border='0'/>Fri, 01 Aug 2014 17:37:32 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d192b66/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A80Cwehrs0Emill0Ebridge0Ereopens0Ewith0Efour0Eton0Eweight0Elimit0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-08-01T17:37:32ZOne week after a fuel tanker weighing nearly four times the 10-ton weight limit for the historic Wehr's Mill Covered Bridge in South Whitehall Township, the bridge over Jordan Creek reopened Friday morning with its weight restriction reduced to four tons.

As I report in today's column, authorities allege that a tractor-trailer tanker crossed the rickety wood span on July 25. South Whitehall police have been conducting motor-carrier enforcement at the bridge because some traffic detouring from the closed Cedar Crest Boulevard bridge over Jordan Creek to the northeast crosses the covered bridge; it's a logical choice for passenger vehicles. Officer Jason Grozier watched as fuel-tanker driver Robert J. Wolkowicz of Coopersburg crossed at 10:52 a.m. July 25, according to charges filed in the case on Thursday.

Prosecutors said Grozier stopped the fully loaded Lehigh Petroleum truck, and that it tipped the scales at 76,360 pounds, or 38.2 tons -- nearly four times the limit. Wolkowicz, 48, was charged with criminal mischief and a traffic violation, officials said. He was arraigned Thursday and released on $20,000 unsecured bail; he could be fined $16,200.

Rick Molchany, general services director for Lehigh County, which owns the bridge, said Thursday repairs would be made and the bridge re-opened as soon as possible, but at that point he couldn't say when pending the outcome of an engineering analysis conducted on Wednesday. As soon as possible turned out to be this morning -- I drove across the wood-plank deck myself at 10 a.m.

Molchany had said the county would seek the proper restitution for any damage done to the bridge. "We're waiting for the inspection report before pursing any claim" after the assessment is complete, he said. "We will be aggressive in that pursuit. We don't want the taxpayers to pay for something done illegally."

The Cedar Crest bridge has been closed for repair since July 8, and though PennDOT's detour is listed as Walbert Avenue, Route 309 and Orefield Road. That bridge is scheduled to reopen Aug. 7.

]]>A drive down Memory Lane to the 'old' Route 309-Emaus Avenue interchangehttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A70Ca0Edrive0Edown0Ememory0Elane0Eto0Ethe0Eold0Eroute0E30A90Eemaus0Eavenue0Einterchange0Bhtml/story01.htmI received a number of thoughtful commentaries in response to Monday's (July 28) column regarding Allentonian Alberto Tineo's proposal to add an additional exit-ramp segment to provide access from I-78/Route 309 to northbound Emaus Avenue. I decided to post three of the shiniest models here on the blog. Two of the authors, John A. Miller Jr. of Lower Macungie Township and Richard Cuff of Cetronia in South Whitehall Township each put a nice coat of wax on memories that are far glossier than mine. A third, Robert Fulford of Center Valley, offers engineering details in support of Alberto's suggestion that...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199110058019/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/mf.gif' border='0'/>Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:42:44 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3d0420d4/sc/13/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A70Ca0Edrive0Edown0Ememory0Elane0Eto0Ethe0Eold0Eroute0E30A90Eemaus0Eavenue0Einterchange0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-07-30T14:42:44Z

I received a number of thoughtful commentaries in response to Monday's (July 28) column regarding Allentonian Alberto Tineo's proposal to add an additional exit-ramp segment to provide access from I-78/Route 309 to northbound Emaus Avenue. I decided to post three of the shiniest models here on the blog.

Two of the authors, John A. Miller Jr. of Lower Macungie Township and Richard Cuff of Cetronia in South Whitehall Township each put a nice coat of wax on memories that are far glossier than mine. A third, Robert Fulford of Center Valley, offers engineering details in support of Alberto's suggestion that far exceed my assessment in the column. hnical information i

Thanks to Alberto for starting the engine on this topic, and to John, Richard and Robert for offering their insights.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, Dan.

I lived on South Lumber St. just south of Emmaus Ave. from September 1953 when I was nearly eleven until 1968. We made frequent trips along the stretch where 309/78 now crosses because my aunt and uncle lived just behind the Commix Hotel (still do). I remember watching them cut through South Mountain when they built 309 in 1956/1957 and riding my bike along the newly paved highway as far as Hamilton Boulevard not long before it opened. At that time Emmaus Ave. sported full access with ramps on the northeast and northwest quadrants, and then Lehigh St. had similar access with ramps on the southeast and southwest quadrants. I can't remember whether the current southbound 309 to Lehigh St. ramp existed as it's currently configured, but 309 then was only four lanes, not six as it is now. We used the Emmaus Ave. to Lehigh St. and vice-versa links frequently, only having to briefly go onto 309. Downyflake Lane existed under some name or another, but it was a narrow, poorly maintained road down to a crossbuck-marked grade crossing of the Reading Railroad (now Norfolk Southern). The underpass existed on 33rd St. (the street that meets Emmaus Ave. at the Commix Hotel and terminates at the entrance to South Mall, which was then a major complex of greenhouses called Ralston's), but there was no railroad crossing on 31st St. (the street faced by the Giant). Mack Blvd. and the Mack Pool were added probably in the early 60s.. The South 8th St./Dixon St. intersection was merely a corner.

It's interesting thinking back to those old days, some good, some not so. The Walden Terrace development (single homes) where I lived on South Lumber St. just south of Emmaus Ave. was new in 1953, and Westbrook Park, the brick row homes on the north side of Emmaus Ave., was a field where we played football, more or less. I was born in October 1942, which makes me 71 and change, but I'm sure you have readers who go back twenty or thirty years more. In a way it's sad we're slowly losing so much of that historical information as people die off, but if we recorded everything, there wouldn't be enough people to read it. I hope The Morning Call archives are well-protected because I'm sure you've been able to look up a lot of your information there.

As far as the current Emmaus Ave. interchange goes, I suppose a left-turn exit for eastbound Emmaus Ave. would make some sense, maybe even with just a stop sign although with current traffic it might be impossible to turn left at some hours. For me I use the existing exit to Emmaus Ave. from northbound 309/78, follow Emmaus Ave. to Harrison St., follow the latter across Emmaus, and then work my way to Brookside Road, The Fairways, and home.

Two ramps I think should have been created when the Hamilton St. Bypass (Rtes. 222 and 100) was built: northbound 222 to 100 south, branching off just east of the Hometown Diner, and northbound 222 to Brookside Road (they built that nice loop from southbound 222 to Brookside Road--I use it all the time--but skipped the opposite ramp). Both those ramps would have been fairly inexpensive to add when they built the bypass. Now, who knows? Even some realignment where the bypass crosses Cetronia Road would have allowed a fairly inexpensive interchange at that location--just move the bridge a bit and reroute more of Cetronia Road. Now there's a lot of concern that an interchange will be necessary to replace the current horrible signalized intersection because of two enormous warehouses Liberty Property Trust is proposing for the west side of Mill Creek Road between Aldi's and the bypass. What's that old saying? Pay me now or pay me later.

Oh well, enough of my regular rant. Hope all is well with you. Keep up the good work.

--John

-----------------------------------------------------------

Interesting read today...

You might remember the original Rt. 309 interchanges with both Emaus Avenue and Lehigh Street were full cloverleafs - the type of full interchanges that the USDOT prefers...thought not the design that's preferred. These interchanges, in the 309 days, were very tight cloverleafs - much like today's Tilghman / 309 cloverleaf that I groused about a few weeks back.

I recall that PennDOT made it clear when designing the 309-to-78 upgrade that the Lehigh Street interchange size would have to increase from what it was as a Route 309 interchange in order to meet the required safety and volume considerations - no way could a newly-built Interstate keep those current ramps, and besides, the third through lane of the highway, added with the I-78 upgrade, took away part of the necessary interchange real estate. The thinking was that the Lehigh Street and Hamilton Boulevard interchanges were going to be the main "gateway" interchanges to access the city.

Of course, it was impossible, conversely, to upgrade the Cedar Crest Boulevard interchange, since it was hemmed in by commercial development on all four sides. If the hospital weren't there, I suspect the interchange might have been eliminated altogether due to the tight spacing between the Cedar Crest and Hamilton Boulevard interchanges. However, PennDOT rightly kept the Cedar Crest interchange in the mix, helpfully to enable quick access to the hospital. I am sure the existence of that interchange actually reduces some of the traffic load on Cedar Crest.

I read your article July 28 regarding exit 58. Here is another reason to allow left turns off exit 58.

In the past, I have submitted ideas to Penn Dot and many have been implemented. I hope this too will be reviewed and accepted. The proposal is somewhat technical and deals with route 145 between Oakhurst rd and Emmaus Ave. It also deals with exit 58 on I78. It is will take some time to explain so grab a cup of coffee.

To get to Allentown the best route from Center Valley is to use 145. This road is direct and involves going over the Mountain. There is a lot of traffic during the rush hours. When there is an accident on the south side of this road, it could be shut down for 6 hours or more. For this proposal lets Oakhurst to East Rock be Section 1. East Rock to Emmaus Ave is Section 2. The detour through the mountain is Section 3. My proposal will provide a better detour route. This would also apply when 145 is being repaired

The Section 3 route is right on Oakhurst to Stones Throw rd, then left up the mountain on Stones Throw rd, then left on Honeysuckle rd to East Rock Rd and left at East Rock rd back to 145 (a total of about 4+ miles). Then down to Emmaus Ave for a total of about 5.3 miles. This detour goes through back narrow, dark, curvy and hilly roads at about 25-30 mph. It could be during rain or snow. That is the only present way to handle Allentown bound traffic.

This proposed alternate detour to Section 3 is to use Exit 58 on I-78 west. Modify exit 58 allowing left turns at the end of Exit 58. Drivers could use Emmaus Ave to get back to 145 or to go to Bethlehem. Using the Penn Dot hi-tech flashing traffic sign on north 309 tell drivers that “145 is closed except to local traffic”. “Allentown drivers go west to exit 58”. (about 2 miles) They would avoid the steep mountain and be safer on this flat Emmaus Ave. Using modified 58 exit; drivers would still get back to the 145 intersection on the north side of the mountain. (about 1.5 miles). This would reduce drivers travel by (2 miles) because they would not have to drive the current detour of 5.3 miles to the intersection of 145 and Emmaus Ave. It is actually quicker and safer using this new alternate route. Emmaus Ave is wider, has street lights, signal lights and it is snow plowed. The biggest result for this proposal is safety vs. rough, narrow, hilly, curvy mountain road at night and in bad weather. The present detour method Section 3 using Oakhurst over the mountain would not be needed.

One other thing about modifying Exit 58 is that left turns will allow employees to get to work on 26th street and 12th street in a safer and faster manner.

Thanks for looking into this.

--Robert Fulford, Center Valley

]]>Turnpike will be first Pennsylvania highway to feature 70 mph speed limithttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A70Cturnpike0Ewill0Ebe0Efirst0Epennsylvania0Ehighway0Eto0Efeature0E70A0Emph0Espeed0Elimit0Bhtml/story01.htmThe Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission beat PennDOT to the punch: A section of the toll road will be the first to raise the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph next week, Turnpike officials reported today. State law allowed, but did not mandate, the change to 70 mph limits for limited-access highways already posted at 65 mph last year. Here's the news release from the commission: Pa. Turnpike to Raise Speed Limit to 70 mph on Stretch of Toll Highway Next Week New speed limit starts July 23 between Blue Mountain and Morgantown interchanges. HARRISBURG, PA. (JULY 18, 2014) –...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199120770729/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/mf.gif' border='0'/>Fri, 18 Jul 2014 21:18:18 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3ca5b471/sc/18/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A70Cturnpike0Ewill0Ebe0Efirst0Epennsylvania0Ehighway0Eto0Efeature0E70A0Emph0Espeed0Elimit0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-07-18T21:18:18ZThe Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission beat PennDOT to the punch: A section of the toll road will be the first to raise the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph next week, Turnpike officials reported today. State law allowed, but did not mandate, the change to 70 mph limits for limited-access highways already posted at 65 mph last year.

Here's the news release from the commission:

Pa. Turnpike to Raise Speed Limit to 70 mph on Stretch of Toll Highway Next Week

New speed limit starts July 23 between Blue Mountain and Morgantown interchanges.

HARRISBURG, PA. (JULY 18, 2014) – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) announced today that a 70 mph speed limit will be put in place on a 100-mile stretch of toll road in the south-central part of the state next week.

The 70-mph zone will be on the Turnpike mainline (Interstate 76) between the Blue Mountain Interchange (exit #201) and the Morgantown Interchange (exit #298) starting July 23.

“Our studies have shown that the design of our system in this area can safely accommodate the higher speed limit,” said Pa. Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “But motorists must remember that it is their responsibly to drive safely and sensibly according to the traffic and weather conditions – especially when the pavement is slick from precipitation or when visibility is limited.”

The Turnpike plans a news conference next week to provide more detail on this and future speed-limit changes on its 550-plus mile system. Until the new 70 mph signs are unveiled, motorists are reminded that they must heed the limits posted on all highway signs.

“The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will be enforcing all posted speed limits just as they have in the past,” said Lt. Edward Murphy of PSP Troop T, the unit in charge of Turnpike patrols. “Strict enforcement of the new 70 mph speed limit will be observed by our troopers during all Turnpike speed-enforcement operations.”

]]>Traffic stoppages, Route 33 (daytime), Route 22 (nighttime)http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A60Ctraffic0Estoppages0Eroute0E330Edaytime0Eroute0E220Enighttime0E0Bhtml/story01.htmSporadic 15-minute traffic stoppages are planned on Route 33 between Routes 191 and 248 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, according to PennDOT. The temporary halts of traffic in both directions will allow workers to undertake blasting operations adjacent to the highway as part of the construction of the new Tatamy interchange. ---------------------------------------------- Temporary traffic stops also are planned on Route 22 at the Easton-Phillipsburg Toll Bridge between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday related to the renovation of the bridge over the Delaware, according to the Delaware River Bridge Joint Toll Bridge Commission.<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119847539/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/mf.gif' border='0'/>Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:30:00 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3bcd0710/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A60Ctraffic0Estoppages0Eroute0E330Edaytime0Eroute0E220Enighttime0E0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-06-23T21:30:00ZSporadic 15-minute traffic stoppages are planned on Route 33 between Routes 191 and 248 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, according to PennDOT. The temporary halts of traffic in both directions will allow workers to undertake blasting operations adjacent to the highway as part of the construction of the new Tatamy interchange.

----------------------------------------------

Temporary traffic stops also are planned on Route 22 at the Easton-Phillipsburg Toll Bridge between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday related to the renovation of the bridge over the Delaware, according to the Delaware River Bridge Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

]]>Broadway in South Whitehall closed again, burdening Tilghman Street and Cetronia Roadhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A60Cbroadway0Ein0Esouth0Ewhitehall0Eclosed0Eagain0Eburdening0Etilghman0Estreet0Eand0Ecetronia0Eroad0E0Bhtml/story01.htmBroadway between Parkway and Cetronia roads in South Whitehall Township is closed again, for those of you who weren't already aware, worsening the rush-period traffic jams on Tilghman Street and on Parkway and Cetronia roads, as if those headaches weren't bad enough to begin with. In fact, traffic on northbound Cetronia was lined up past the signal at the busy Integrated Health Campus even at 3 p.m. Tuesday, well before the normal madhouse rush. I confess to making an illegal U-turn and doubling back to Krocks Road and the Route 222 Bypass to make my way back to Allentown. (My...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119628222/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/mf.gif' border='0'/>Tue, 17 Jun 2014 23:49:03 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3b9abd85/sc/38/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A60Cbroadway0Ein0Esouth0Ewhitehall0Eclosed0Eagain0Eburdening0Etilghman0Estreet0Eand0Ecetronia0Eroad0E0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-06-17T23:49:03ZBroadway between Parkway and Cetronia roads in South Whitehall Township is closed again, for those of you who weren't already aware, worsening the rush-period traffic jams on Tilghman Street and on Parkway and Cetronia roads, as if those headaches weren't bad enough to begin with.

In fact, traffic on northbound Cetronia was lined up past the signal at the busy Integrated Health Campus even at 3 p.m. Tuesday, well before the normal madhouse rush. I confess to making an illegal U-turn and doubling back to Krocks Road and the Route 222 Bypass to make my way back to Allentown. (My first thought was Schantz Road to Hamilton Boulevard, but I saw five or six people ahead of me making the left onto Schantz, and I figured the one-lane bridge at Schantz Spring might mess things up for that supposed short-cut). Incidentally, several outlaw motorists followed my lead and did U-ies of their own on Cetronia, so I wasn't alone, though I guess that doesn't justify the illegal maneuver. Fortunately for us, none of South Whitehall's finest witnessed these exploits.

Broadway is a township road, and though I couldn't immediately reach township officials, I'm told by PennDOT officials that a new business is planned along the closed stretch of road -- a car wash, apparently -- and water and sewer lines are being added. Similar work shut down the same portion of road for most of June last year, to accommodate the new Cetronia Ambulance Corps and Lehigh County coroner's office being built there.

It's nice to see the township posted the closure to their website this time -- that didn't happen last year. But that doesn't ease the pain much if you're stuck in a lengthy line on northbound Parkway Road, hoping to turn left onto Tilghman, especially between, say, 4:30 and 6 p.m. on any given weekday.

This will go on, I'm afraid, though June 30, according to the township website. I suppose that's the township's way of saying Happy Independence Day.

]]>Armando Greco to announce the end of a long road as LANTA directorhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3b536bf6/sc/3/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A60Carmando0Egreco0Eto0Eannounce0Ethe0Eend0Eof0Ea0Elong0Eroad0Eas0Elanta0Edirector0E0Bhtml/story01.htmArmando V. Greco, executive director of LANTA for the past 37 years, plans to retire from Lehigh Valley's public-service transit bus system. Greco, 68, of Lower Macungie Township will retire effective Jan. 2. His plans are expected to be revealed publicly at Tuesday's Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority board meeting in Allentown. The transit agency was created by the two counties in 1972, and Greco was appointed to lead it in 1977 after working as a planner for what is now the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. He is an engineering graduate of Villanova University. From the fledgling agency created just...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108236601/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3b536bf6/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3b536bf6/sc/3/mf.gif' border='0'/>Mon, 09 Jun 2014 20:06:43 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3b536bf6/sc/3/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A60Carmando0Egreco0Eto0Eannounce0Ethe0Eend0Eof0Ea0Elong0Eroad0Eas0Elanta0Edirector0E0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-06-09T20:06:43Z

Greco, 68, of Lower Macungie Township will retire effective Jan. 2. His plans are expected to be revealed publicly at Tuesday's Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority board meeting in Allentown.

The transit agency was created by the two counties in 1972, and Greco was appointed to lead it in 1977 after working as a planner for what is now the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. He is an engineering graduate of Villanova University.

From the fledgling agency created just five years before he joined it, Greco helped steer LANTA to its position today, employing 133 bus drivers, 24 mechanics and 33 administrators. The authority operates 83 buses and serves 4.85 million passengers annually on trips through many parts of Lehigh and Northampton counties.

In October, the LANTA board named the agency's new $14 million Allentown bus garage the Armando V. Greco Maintenance Facility.

Soon after the facility's ceremonial opening, Greco said he planned to retire, though he declined to be more specific than "it's probably not going to be too far off." That will turn out to be a period of 14 months.

Greco, most commonly known as "Armand," will stay on as executive director in part to help with the search for, and to ease the transition to, a new director. Longtime Assistant Executive Director Denis J. Meyers retired in January after more than 38 years with LANTA.

Armand Greco

]]>Rough road on Route 309 at Route 22: We'll be having fun almost all summer longhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A50Crough0Eroad0Eon0Eroute0E30A90Eat0Eroute0E220Ewell0Ebe0Ehaving0Efun0Ealmost0Eall0Esummer0Elong0Bhtml/story01.htmA number of fellow warriors have been asking how long it will be until the rough, milled surface of Route 309 between the I-78 split and Walbert Avenue will get its layer of asphalt. The $3.3 million construction project, including milling, repairing and even replacing concrete slabs when necessary, new guide rail and related work, along with the resurfacing, is scheduled to continue until November. However, the milled sections are expected to get new coats of asphalts in "late July or early August," according to PennDOT spokesman Ron Young. That still leaves a long, rough road ahead, and assumes no...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195506518138/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/mf.gif' border='0'/>Tue, 27 May 2014 22:58:25 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3ae2dc92/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A50Crough0Eroad0Eon0Eroute0E30A90Eat0Eroute0E220Ewell0Ebe0Ehaving0Efun0Ealmost0Eall0Esummer0Elong0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-05-27T22:58:25Z

A number of fellow warriors have been asking how long it will be until the rough, milled surface of Route 309 between the I-78 split and Walbert Avenue will get its layer of asphalt.

The $3.3 million construction project, including milling, repairing and even replacing concrete slabs when necessary, new guide rail and related work, along with the resurfacing, is scheduled to continue until November.

However, the milled sections are expected to get new coats of asphalts in "late July or early August," according to PennDOT spokesman Ron Young.

That still leaves a long, rough road ahead, and assumes no unforeseen delays. And by the way, "late July or early August" often means "by the end of August" anyway.

Bear with it, warriors. As the Brits sometimes say, "Stuff uppah lip" and all that.

]]>Customer appreciation: LANTA to offer free bus rides for a dayhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A50Ccustomer0Eappreciation0Elanta0Eto0Eoffer0Efree0Ebus0Erides0Efor0Ea0Eday0Bhtml/story01.htmThe Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority will offer free rides all day on its fixed-route bus service on Wednesday, May 21 as a gesture of appreciation for riders bearing with the agency through the challenging winter of 2013-14. A “day pass” providing unlimited rides for a day normally costs $4. “We wanted to find a way to say 'thank you' to our riders and non-riders alike for helping [LANTA] get through a very difficult winter,” authority Executive Director Armando Greco said in a news release. “We experienced very little down time, a very understanding public [and] a dedicated group of...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505943011/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/mf.gif' border='0'/>Wed, 14 May 2014 21:26:34 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3a6ddbcb/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A50Ccustomer0Eappreciation0Elanta0Eto0Eoffer0Efree0Ebus0Erides0Efor0Ea0Eday0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-05-14T21:26:34Z

The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority will offer free rides all day on its fixed-route bus service on Wednesday, May 21 as a gesture of appreciation for riders bearing with the agency through the challenging winter of 2013-14.

A “day pass” providing unlimited rides for a day normally costs $4.

“We wanted to find a way to say 'thank you' to our riders and non-riders alike for helping [LANTA] get through a very difficult winter,” authority Executive Director Armando Greco said in a news release. “We experienced very little down time, a very understanding public [and] a dedicated group of bus drivers, mechanics and staff.”

LANTA operates the public bus service in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Information on routes and schedules is available at www.lantabus.com, or at 610-776-7433.

]]>Seven years after Valentine's Day ice storm crippled I-78, highway remains deadlyhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3a60360a/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A50Cseven0Eyears0Eafter0Evalentines0Eday0Eice0Estorm0Ecrippled0Ei0E780Ehighway0Eremains0Edeadly0Bhtml/story01.htmI received this thoughtful and interesting essay about the dangerous conditions that prevail on Interstate 78 in western Lehigh County and well into Berks, where three people lost their lives in a horrific multi-vehicle accident Monday. Thanks to frequent contributor Richard Cuff of Cetronia, South Whitehall Township, for providing it. ---------------------------------------------------------------- So when will PennDOT finally fund more than a band-aid solution to I-78 in western Lehigh and Berks counties? How many more deaths will it take? How much more inconvenience will be incurred? It's been seven years since the Valentine's Day ice/snow storm response debacle which prompted a bunch...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505921793/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3a60360a/sc/10/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3a60360a/sc/10/mf.gif' border='0'/>Tue, 13 May 2014 15:34:24 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3a60360a/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A50Cseven0Eyears0Eafter0Evalentines0Eday0Eice0Estorm0Ecrippled0Ei0E780Ehighway0Eremains0Edeadly0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-05-13T15:34:24Z

I received this thoughtful and interesting essay about the dangerous conditions that prevail on Interstate 78 in western Lehigh County and well into Berks, where three people lost their lives in a horrific multi-vehicle accident Monday.

So when will PennDOT finally fund more than a band-aid solution to I-78 in western Lehigh and Berks counties?

How many more deaths will it take? How much more inconvenience will be incurred?

It's been seven years since the Valentine's Day ice/snow storm response debacle which prompted a bunch of hand-wringing and an external study. While we've seen some cosmetic improvements -- e.g., the hinged gates that can allow traffic to get out of stranding situations -- I-78 remains an embarrassment to its Interstate designation, with a long list of deficiencies including:

-- dangerously short off-ramps and on-ramps, specifically at the Krumsville and Lenhartsville exits

-- a lack of enforcement of existing laws

I've e-mailed my Pennsylvania House rep and state senator to express my frustration, but perhaps you can again call on the resources of the Morning Call to expose the travesty that is I-78, especially west of the Route 22 split and, perhaps someday, get the state to use its existing resources and apply for Federal funds for a wholesale redesign of this highway.

Ideally what should be done is what PennDOT did with I-78 through the Allentown-Bethlehem Easton areas, and what North Carolina has done with stretches of I-40 and I-85: Simply build new, parallel highways using current design standards, leaving the existing route as "Old I-78" or something similar.

A photo of yesterdays' crash by freelance photographer Chris Knight, below. News coverage and more photos at mcall.com.

]]>Life-saving back-up cameras to be required in all passenger cars by 2018http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Clife0Esaving0Eback0Eup0Ecameras0Eto0Ebe0Erequired0Ein0Eall0Epassenger0Ecars0Eby0E20A180Bhtml/story01.htmA few weeks ago, Congress passed a law requiring all passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks to be equipped with back-up cameras by 2018. This long-awaited federal mandate was trumpeted by proponents as a tremendous (and overdue) safety improvement that could save the lives of many people, including many children, every year. And I'm sure that's true. In the meantime, though, we could improve the country's safety record in this regard by taking some simple low-tech measures, mostly related to the concept of easing off the gas in our self-imposed frenzied lifestyles. The nonprofit safety group KidsandCars.org recommends the following...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505248075/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/mf.gif' border='0'/>Fri, 25 Apr 2014 22:51:35 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39c3fd64/sc/36/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Clife0Esaving0Eback0Eup0Ecameras0Eto0Ebe0Erequired0Ein0Eall0Epassenger0Ecars0Eby0E20A180Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-04-25T22:51:35Z

A few weeks ago, Congress passed a law requiring all passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks to be equipped with back-up cameras by 2018. This long-awaited federal mandate was trumpeted by proponents as a tremendous (and overdue) safety improvement that could save the lives of many people, including many children, every year. And I'm sure that's true.

In the meantime, though, we could improve the country's safety record in this regard by taking some simple low-tech measures, mostly related to the concept of easing off the gas in our self-imposed frenzied lifestyles.

The nonprofit safety group KidsandCars.org recommends the following steps, among others. I suspect they'd be just as effective, if not more so, than the back-up video monitors will prove to be. For example, if you don't have a second to check the monitor, or view it carefully enough, that system could fail, too.

From KidsAndCars.com (and more is available at their website):

--Walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it.

--Know where your kids are.

--Hold children's hand when leaving a vehicle.

--Keep toys, sports equipment and other children's items off the driveway.

--Trim landscaping around the driveway to ensure a clear sight-line to the street.

--Never leave children alone in or around cars -- not even for a minute.

--Make sure all child passengers have left the car after it's parked. (This would prevent the annual heat-related injuries and deaths as well.)

--Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes, holidays and periods of crisis.

The last one sheds light on the conditions that often lead to these tragedies. "Busy times" seem to equate to "all times" for many young families, except maybe when everyone's asleep.

It doesn't have to be this way.

]]>Perjury charges filed in relation to investigation of alleged PennDOT ethics breacheshttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39b69e79/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Cperjury0Echarges0Efiled0Ein0Erelation0Eto0Einvestigation0Eof0Ealleged0Epenndot0Eethics0Ebreaches0Bhtml/story01.htmThis just in from the state attorney general's office. Keep in mind that nobody's been convicted of anything at this point. The investigation involves allegations of ethical misconduct against unspecified officials at PennDOT District 6, based in Philadelphia, not District 5 based in Allentown. District 6 comprises the counties of Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks. If I'm reading between the lines correctly, the suspicion is that unidentified District 6 officials took bribes in exchange for "looking the other way" as private inspectors contracted by PennDOT overbilled the state. Here's the news release from the AG's office, edited only to...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505195517/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39b69e79/sc/8/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39b69e79/sc/8/mf.gif' border='0'/>Thu, 24 Apr 2014 15:29:35 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39b69e79/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Cperjury0Echarges0Efiled0Ein0Erelation0Eto0Einvestigation0Eof0Ealleged0Epenndot0Eethics0Ebreaches0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-04-24T15:29:35Z

This just in from the state attorney general's office.

Keep in mind that nobody's been convicted of anything at this point. The investigation involves allegations of ethical misconduct against unspecified officials at PennDOT District 6, based in Philadelphia, not District 5 based in Allentown. District 6 comprises the counties of Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks.

If I'm reading between the lines correctly, the suspicion is that unidentified District 6 officials took bribes in exchange for "looking the other way" as private inspectors contracted by PennDOT overbilled the state.

Here's the news release from the AG's office, edited only to conform with Morning Call style rules. More is available at the AG's website.

HARRISBURG - In the midst of a state attorney general investigation into potential corruption at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 6, Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today announced perjury charges against a consultant inspector for allegedly lying in front of a grand jury.

Joseph DeSimone, 33, of Philadelphia is charged with one count of perjury, a third-degree felony carrying a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine. DeSimone testified before the grand jury on December 17, 2013. He is an employee of Construction Methods and Coordination Inc. (CMC).

The attorney general's investigation began in March of 2013, when a confidential source (CS) came forward and provided evidence of widespread abuse within District 6’s Highway Occupancy Permit Program (HOP). PennDOT requires that an HOP permit be issued for any encroachment upon state or federal roads, or interstate highways.

According to the grand jury presentment, the CS had first-hand knowledge of the abuses in the HOP contracts due in part to the fact that the CS had been employed as a consultant inspector for a company contracted by PennDOT to perform inspections under the HOP program.

Among other information provided by the CS, which has been corroborated, was that consultant inspectors were systematically overbilling for time they were allegedly performing HOP inspections. Additionally, evidence has been obtained that many of the inspectors were providing illegal financial remunerations to PennDOT District 6 supervisors who permitted the overbilling abuse to occur.

As detailed in the grand jury presentment attached, DeSimone allegedly lied under oath by failing to disclose conversations he'd had with the CS before appearing before the grand jury on December 17. The CS, working with investigators, told the grand jury the same day that DeSimone had called him twice to find out what the CS had told investigators.

Phone records obtained later corroborated the CS's statements. Those records showed DeSimone had placed a nearly 20 minute call to the CS shortly before appearing before the grand jury.

DeSimone was arrested this morning in Philadelphia. He is expected to be arraigned later today.

Tesla Motors, the California-based maker of an all-electric four-passenger sedan highly touted by Consumer Reports magazine, plans to install a charging station exclusively for its Tesla S model -- the one the magazine calls "not only the best electric car we've tested, it's now our best-rated model overall."

These special-order cars start at about $70,000, so they're not selling as fast as Toyota Camrys quite yet, but proponents see a bright future for Tesla on the road ahead.

"We are in the early stages of building a Tesla Supercharger station in Lehigh Valley," Tesla spokeswoman Alexis Georgeson wrote in an email. "Tesla is very focused on providing free long-distance travel across the country" for Tesla owners. "We place Superchargers along major corridors that our customers often travel and that connect city centers.

"The Tesla Supercharger is substantially more powerful than any charging technology to date, providing up to 120 kilowatts of power and replenishing half a charge in twenty minutes. Model S has a range of 265 miles, so that’s roughly 150 miles of charge in the first 20 minutes at a Supercharger.

"We strategically place Superchargers to allow owners to drive from station to station with minimal stops. Superchargers are located near amenities like shopping centers and restaurants so road trippers can stop for a quick meal or to run a few errands and have their Model S charged by the time they’re done."

Georgeson woud not say when the charging station might open, stressing the early stage of development.

Three outdoor charging stations were installed at parking spaces on the mall lot near the Pottery Barn in 2009, but apparently they were removed at some point (the mall since has changed ownership). Ferreira said there ar no charging stations at the mall currently.

]]>A car held together with masking tapehttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Ca0Ecar0Eheld0Etogether0Ewith0Emasking0Etape0Bhtml/story01.htmBack in the mid-1980s, in my haste to get to work, I slid off a wet Vera Cruz Road in Upper Milford and sideswiped a car coming in the opposite direction. Luckily, no injuries and both cars were drivable, but the left front of my Toyota Tercel took the brunt of it (the other car was one of the big American models, maybe a Ford Crown Vic or its Mercury twin, a Marquis, I believe they were called). Anyway, my driver-side headlight was out, and when darkness fell that Friday, I decided to duct-tape the flashlight kept in the glove...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/194480047914/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/mf.gif' border='0'/>Fri, 11 Apr 2014 22:20:06 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3944dd2a/sc/18/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Ca0Ecar0Eheld0Etogether0Ewith0Emasking0Etape0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-04-11T22:20:06Z

Back in the mid-1980s, in my haste to get to work, I slid off a wet Vera Cruz Road in Upper Milford and sideswiped a car coming in the opposite direction. Luckily, no injuries and both cars were drivable, but the left front of my Toyota Tercel took the brunt of it (the other car was one of the big American models, maybe a Ford Crown Vic or its Mercury twin, a Marquis, I believe they were called).

Anyway, my driver-side headlight was out, and when darkness fell that Friday, I decided to duct-tape the flashlight kept in the glove compartment to the fender, as a kind of weak stand-in for the headlight. It wasn't much, I admit, but I figured oncoming motorists might see it as they got closer, becoming aware that they weren't approaching a motorcycle.

It took a week or so to get the car into the body shop, so the flashlight stayed for that period. My friend Dave Wiltraut happened to notice it in daylight one afternoon, and the sight of it cracked him up. "A flashlight," Dave laughed, "lotta good that will do!"

I was reminded of that incident recently when I spotted a car with minor body damage on the Morning Call parking deck. Not sure which of my colleagues it belongs to, but whoever it is, their mode of thought runs along the same wavelength as mine: "Hey, maybe this masking tape will hold it for a while."

I haven't noticed the car for a few days, so maybe the owner got it in for repairs. Or maybe the plan is to leave it be, and use the insurance money (assuming a claim was made) for more important stuff (not an uncommon practice).

If it's the latter, a suggestion: Get a roll of white duct tape, and press a piece of it firmly along the separation between the fender and bumper. It might be almost hard to notice. Also, it'll last longer. Maybe for the life of the car.

]]>PennDOT opens final new ramp at Route 22 MacArthur Road interchangehttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3937acc2/sc/13/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Cpenndot0Eopens0Efinal0Enew0Eramp0Eat0Eroute0E220Emacarthur0Eroad0Einterchange0E0Bhtml/story01.htmPennDOT initially expected to complete the reconstruction of the Route 22 MacArthur Road interchange by the end of last year, after two years of road-jamming work. The state fell short of that goal, opening three of four new access ramps, with the exception of the ramp from MacArthur southbound to 22 westbound. The pothole-plagued old ramp continued to serve over the extra-long, extra-cold winter. Until yesterday, when the new lane finally hit the showroom floor. Warrior spy Tim Eichman of Whitehall Township emailed about the joyous event, and I went out of my way to try out the ramp myself...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/194480022983/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/3937acc2/sc/13/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3937acc2/sc/13/mf.gif' border='0'/>Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:52:35 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/3937acc2/sc/13/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Cpenndot0Eopens0Efinal0Enew0Eramp0Eat0Eroute0E220Emacarthur0Eroad0Einterchange0E0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-04-10T16:52:35Z

PennDOT initially expected to complete the reconstruction of the Route 22 MacArthur Road interchange by the end of last year, after two years of road-jamming work. The state fell short of that goal, opening three of four new access ramps, with the exception of the ramp from MacArthur southbound to 22 westbound. The pothole-plagued old ramp continued to serve over the extra-long, extra-cold winter.

Until yesterday, when the new lane finally hit the showroom floor. Warrior spy Tim Eichman of Whitehall Township emailed about the joyous event, and I went out of my way to try out the ramp myself on the way home from work. Workers may not be completely finished -- Tim pointed out that there's a considerable dropoff at the road's edge on the ramp, and that guide rail might be on the way -- but it's open.

There's still a considerable amount of work remaining. Officials said last year they expect everything to be finished by May, so we should be closing in on the final destination. Work began in May 2012.

Next up, in spring 2015, is a similar complete reconstruction of the Fullerton Avenue interchange just to the east, together with the replacement of adjacent Lehigh River Bridge.

Breaking News from PennDOT (what isn't "breaking" these days, at least as far as the TV news shows go):

Pennsylvania Records Lowest Number of Traffic Deaths Ever

2013 Number Lowest Since Recordkeeping Started in 1928

The number of highway deaths on Pennsylvania roads tumbled to a record low last year when 1,208 were recorded, the lowest number since recordkeeping began in 1928, PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch announced today.

"Though Pennsylvania has made significant progress in reducing highway crashes and deaths, our efforts to ensure that all travelers reach their destinations safely will remain paramount," Schoch said. "However, our efforts cannot reach their potential if drivers refuse to do their part by observing traffic laws and always using common sense on our roads."

While the number of highway deaths dropped in many types of crashes, there were significant decreases noted in unbuckled, speeding and single vehicle run-off-the-road related deaths. Unbuckled fatalities dropped from 503 in 2012 to 425. Speeding-related fatalities also decreased from 262 in 2012 to 193 last year. Deaths attributed to single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes declined to 566, down from 648 in 2012.

Another area where significant numbers were noted includes fatalities in crashes involving a drinking driver which decreased from 377 in 2012 to 342 last year, the lowest number since 1997 when this data collection began.

"Regardless of the record-low number of highway deaths recorded this year, we must never forget that these aren't just random statistics, but rather they were somebodies loved ones," Schoch said. "With that, we turn our attention to those crash areas where Pennsylvania saw an increase in fatalities."

Fatalities increased in some types of crashes, including those involving distracted drivers and in head-on or opposite direction side swipe crashes. There were 64 fatalities in crashes involving distracted drivers, up from 57 in 2012. Also, deaths in head-on or opposite direction side swipe crashes increased to 178 up from 148 in 2012.

PennDOT has invested $50 million over the last five years for safety improvements at approximately 4,000 locations. These include low-cost safety measures such as centerline and edge-line rumble strips. PennDOT also invests about $20 million annually in state and federal funds for safety education and enforcement efforts statewide.

Fatalities in crashes involving drivers ages 75 and older also increased to 142 from 126 in 2012. To help address safe driving in this age group, PennDOT offers information on approved Mature Driver Improvement courses available statewide.

]]>Costco fans chime inhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39194380/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Ccostco0Efans0Echime0Ein0Bhtml/story01.htmIn today's column (available at mcall.com) I asked readers who like Costco stores to explain to me what all the fuss is about -- why this particular shopping-club chain is so desirable that securing a Lehigh Valley location has fueled much of the public support for the proposed Hamilton Crossings shopping center in Lower Macungie Township. Here are some of the responses. Thanks folks! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Dan - Costco has a bigger role in society than simply another big-box/warehouse store. Yes, they have good-quality merchandize (in huge packages). Yes, they stand behind their products without question. What makes the company and...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/194479837922/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/39194380/sc/8/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39194380/sc/8/mf.gif' border='0'/>Mon, 07 Apr 2014 23:35:25 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/39194380/sc/8/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Ccostco0Efans0Echime0Ein0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-04-07T23:35:25Z

In today's column (available at mcall.com) I asked readers who like Costco stores to explain to me what all the fuss is about -- why this particular shopping-club chain is so desirable that securing a Lehigh Valley location has fueled much of the public support for the proposed Hamilton Crossings shopping center in Lower Macungie Township.

Here are some of the responses. Thanks folks!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan -

Costco has a bigger role in society than simply another big-box/warehouse store. Yes, they have good-quality merchandize (in huge packages). Yes, they stand behind their products without question. What makes the company and its stores attractive to me is the way they treat their employees. Costco pays their employees well, gives them medical benefits, and contributes to the community. Look at Costco employees' badges and see the number of years of service they have with the company. It's not a traditional retailer.

I've shopped at Sam's Club at Airport Center a few times, and I'm struck every time I go in by how efficient it is, and how I can do self-check at the cashier's and avoid the lines I usually find at the Montgomeryville Costco. I also see the inspirational quote above the door by one of the Walton sisters. Then I reflect on the "Walmartization" of American retailing, and I think about how they cut costs to the bone, the jawdropping wealth of the family, and the company's meager philanthropic work. It pushes me back to Costco. I welcome Costco's arrival in the Lehigh Valley (though maybe not at the proposed location) along with a future Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods.

--John Marquette, Bethlehem

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We go to the Bridgewater Costco several times a year to shop. It is easier and quicker to get there than the Montgomeryville one. In my opinion they have a better selection of and higher quality merchandise than what Sam's Club or BJ's sells. Costco stores are clean, well lit, and have wide isles. They also have a better on-line website than Sam's or BJ's. But we still shop at the Sam's Club and BJ's here.

They are supposedly building a Costco in Flemington on Route 31 near the high school and Lowes/Walmart. It is supposed to open by the end of 2014. This will make the traffic on Rt 31 there worse.

Although they have to do traffic studies before getting approval to build any big store it is my understanding that the project developers and companies like Costco and Walmart tend not to worry about the resulting traffic mess they create. Look at Airport Center in Hanover Twp and Sam's Club, Walmart, Wegmans, Target in Lower Nazareth at 248/Rt 33.

I have memberships in all three warehouse clubs; although I only am only willing to pay Groupon or other really good special deal rates for BJ’s and Sam’s Club. The short version is that Costco is so much better than BJ’s and Sam’s Club that I am typically willing to drive to the Costco in Pottstown rather than a much shorter trip to Airport Road.

The longer version is that Costco in a point to point cost comparison is often better priced and often has better merchandise. Additionally, Costco employee attitudes are so much better along with a much stronger customer service level. I never get put into a secondary 20 minute line at the front desk for part of a purchase at Costco like a simple gift card purchase at Sam’s Club recently involved.

Nothing in Costco is rip-off priced. This past week I saw a 40 lb. bag of lime for $12.98 in Sam’s Club. I normally pay $3-$5 for a 40 lb. bag of pelletized lime at other local businesses. The other two warehouse clubs sometimes offer really good special membership deals for a reason, they have to!

--Tom Bzik, Lower Macungie Township

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Dan,

All you need to do is google Cosco CEO, employee wages and benefits and unionization and you'll understand why any community would want this company in its area.

Employees attitude is happy, which is reflected in customer service and company profits. The store would bring high hourly wages and benefits for the workers in our area. I hope Cosco arrives here quickly.

--Dolly Yanolko, Allentown

]]>Resident says speed enforcement needed in Palmer Townshiphttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38e0047c/sc/7/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Cresident0Esays0Espeed0Eenforcement0Eneeded0Ein0Epalmer0Etownship0Bhtml/story01.htmKaren Bross of Palmer Township steered the following commentary into my email garage recently. The only caveatt I would add is that she's far from alone in her concern over the lack of speed enforcement in her neighborhood. Police tell her they simply don't have enough personnel to put up speed traps or even to post a patrol car everywhere, and clearly they're not just making that up. Some municipalities are too cheap to even have police forces of their own, including some whose political leaders should know better, such as Lower Macungie Township. This points to one of the...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/193360747890/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38e0047c/sc/7/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38e0047c/sc/7/mf.gif' border='0'/>Tue, 01 Apr 2014 22:58:28 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38e0047c/sc/7/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A40Cresident0Esays0Espeed0Eenforcement0Eneeded0Ein0Epalmer0Etownship0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-04-01T22:58:28Z

Karen Bross of Palmer Township steered the following commentary into my email garage recently. The only caveatt I would add is that she's far from alone in her concern over the lack of speed enforcement in her neighborhood.

Police tell her they simply don't have enough personnel to put up speed traps or even to post a patrol car everywhere, and clearly they're not just making that up. Some municipalities are too cheap to even have police forces of their own, including some whose political leaders should know better, such as Lower Macungie Township.

This points to one of the reasons I strongly support state legislation that would allow the use of red-light camers and other high-tech speed-enforcement systems statewide, instead of only small portions of Pennsylvania as is currently the case. I'm willing to believe that with proper controls, the genuine civil-liberties concerns can be dealth with adequately. Though red-light cameras per se would not help Karen's particular problem, there is too much to gain from systems that put effective traffic-law enforcement in gear for a tiny fraction of what it would cost to have police officers physically posted on the relevant roadways.

In short, enforcement cameras work 24-7, without so much as coffee breaks, and though they're not free--installation, maintenance and operation costs come along as passengers--there are no salaries or pensions.

Karen's tale:

Good evening road warrior,

Road in my question, is North Greenwood Ave in Palmer township. Seems that 98% of the people who come through here seem to think it's the Autobaun. This is a residential area, where driver's ed, whould indicate...that a residential area...even if no speed limit signs are posted....one must go no more than 35 mh.

Well,this is not the case here. People fly up and down our road like crazy. Our neighbor's car and now our own cars have been totalled by idiots flying up the road and not paying attention. Palmer cop, at the time of our accident, did not even know what the speed limit was. I had to remind him....and then he "had to call in to find out the correct answer". I mean, really?

Our road has many, many houses on it, as well as many older residents, children and pets along it. We are all sick and tired of people driving like mad through here!! One fears for their lives, just trying to get to their mailbox at the end of their own driveway.

I understand that the police cannot be everywhere at once......but come on. Something has to be done about this!!! At the time of our incident...( where a motorist smashed our car parked legally outside our house)...I offered the police to "just sit in our driveway, for one day, just one day...to see what actually goes on here". His reply, was we, don't have time for that.

For the saftey of all of the residents on North Greenwood, something has to be done. SIgns need to posted and speed NEEDS to enforced!!! For the saftey of us all here. Please help us Road Warrior. I welcome you, anytime, to come to our house to witness what happens here everyday. 'll even put on an extra pot of coffee.

thank you for you time,

Karen Bross

]]>Traffic signs will be added at Walmart shopping center, Whitehallhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A30Ctraffic0Esigns0Ewill0Ebe0Eadded0Eat0Ewalmart0Eshopping0Ecenter0Ewhitehall0Bhtml/story01.htmChristopher Santo of Whitehall Township recently suggested that "oncoming traffic does not stop" signs would be a great help for motorists exiting the Walmart shopping center on MacArthur Road in Whitehall. Entering motorists do not have to stop, and that can be confusing for drivers exiting, who do get a stop signs at the interior intersection just east of MacArthur. The Warrior agreed, and seconded Chris's recommendation in Monday's column. Township Traffic Engineer Frank Clark said it sounded like a pretty good idea to him, but that property owner Vornado Realty would have to pay for the signs, and thus...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/193360687623/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/mf.gif' border='0'/>Fri, 28 Mar 2014 22:35:56 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38bdf38b/sc/10/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A30Ctraffic0Esigns0Ewill0Ebe0Eadded0Eat0Ewalmart0Eshopping0Ecenter0Ewhitehall0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-03-28T22:35:56Z

Christopher Santo of Whitehall Township recently suggested that "oncoming traffic does not stop" signs would be a great help for motorists exiting the Walmart shopping center on MacArthur Road in Whitehall. Entering motorists do not have to stop, and that can be confusing for drivers exiting, who do get a stop signs at the interior intersection just east of MacArthur.

The Warrior agreed, and seconded Chris's recommendation in Monday's column. Township Traffic Engineer Frank Clark said it sounded like a pretty good idea to him, but that property owner Vornado Realty would have to pay for the signs, and thus would have to agree. To be honest, I figured that would be the end of it, and no action would be taken. I urged Chris to appeal to township officials to gain their influence, assuming they would agree with the concept.

To my surprise, Clark emailed today, four days after the column was published, to let me know that Vornado officials had contacted him, to confirm that he thought the signs might help. He did so, and the company plans to go ahead and put the placards in.

A company volunteering to spend money to install signs--not a truckload of cash, to be sure, but still, they're parting with some bucks--without even being asked, but simply because they saw some publicity about the signs agreed they would improve traffic safety? I am astonished.

Kudos to the folks at Vornado. A small gesture, perhaps, but a positive move nonetheless, and an unusual one, I think, in our penny-wise, pound-foolish business climate.

]]>More traffic on marijuana legalizationhttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A30Cmore0Etraffic0Eon0Emarijuana0Elegalization0E0Bhtml/story01.htm"Joe from Salisbury" had trouble posting this commentary in response to my recent column regarding driving while high on marijuana, and to the several responses from readers both pro and con, so I'll steer the information onto the site for him. Thanks, Joe! --------------------------------------------- Hi Dan, So many issues to debate on this point/counter-point exchange between you and Bob. Have we seen an increased use of grain alcohol or other hard liquor because beer just doesn’t provide an adequate buzz anymore? The transition from marijuana to harder forms of drug use is more a value proposition than a decision based...<br clear='all'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/rc/1/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/rc/2/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/rc/3/rc.htm" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img" border="0"/></a><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/193360642294/u/49/f/622994/c/34254/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/a2t.img" border="0"/><img width='1' height='1' src='http://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/mf.gif' border='0'/>Thu, 27 Mar 2014 22:33:26 GMThttp://morningcall.feedsportal.com/c/34254/f/622994/s/38b2ac07/sc/4/l/0Lblogs0Bmcall0N0Croadwarrior0C20A140C0A30Cmore0Etraffic0Eon0Emarijuana0Elegalization0E0Bhtml/story01.htmDan Hartzell2014-03-27T22:33:26Z

"Joe from Salisbury" had trouble posting this commentary in response to my recent column regarding driving while high on marijuana, and to the several responses from readers both pro and con, so I'll steer the information onto the site for him.

Thanks, Joe!

---------------------------------------------

Hi Dan,

So many issues to debate on this point/counter-point exchange between you and Bob.

Have we seen an increased use of grain alcohol or other hard liquor because beer just doesn’t provide an adequate buzz anymore? The transition from marijuana to harder forms of drug use is more a value proposition than a decision based on the effects of each.

If one could obtain the same or better buzz from an alternative source, say crack for example, at a comparable price, then one could expect a logical transition. Aside from the price/effect ratio, convenience and availability are other factors. How easy or difficult is it to find someone selling marijuana vs. selling crack, and how easy or difficult is each to transport, store and consume, especially given the illegal status of both? Regardless, the fact is that marijuana would be legal and all other forms of “drugs” will continue to be illegal, so we haven’t introduced any new enforcement issues in the process.

Second, the concept that street vendors will continue to exist is just an example of free-market enterprise. If legal distribution channels are losing sales to competition, then one would assume they will lower their prices. Ask Bob (the legalization opponent) if he purchases products over the internet and whether he voluntarily submits PA sales tax payments when they're not specified by the vendor.

Also, price is just one component of the purchasing decision. One would expect the legal distribution network to provide a wider selection of different marijuana types with an expected, if not guaranteed, level of quality. This is the advantage the legal system has over the street vendor. The old adage “buyer beware” certainly applies here. Ask Bob if he buys his watches at a jewelry or department store or from someone on the streets of our fine city.

The state legislature legalized slots gambling and later added "harder-core" table games, all in the interest of generating new forms of revenue without increasing personal or business taxes. Opponents argued that an increasing number of people would become addicted to gambling and suffer untold losses of personal fortune. Has that happened?

Whether we like it or not, legalization of marijuana may become an inevitable fact purely from the standpoint that it makes good financial sense for the people of the Commonwealth of PA.